Living in Bonita Springs

Are you moving to Bonita Springs, FL? Make sure you know these five things before moving to Bonita Springs. 

Bonita Springs is a tropical oasis in southwest Florida known for its stunning beaches and parks full of various outdoor activities and wildlife. Made up of four barrier islands with tropical plants and greenery all around and dolphins and manatees swimming under docks, the landscape itself is an attraction to many individuals moving here. 

Considered one of the most sought-after retirement destinations, the population of Bonita Springs is around 55k residents, with 39.6% being over the age of 65 years old. With easy access to the water, spectacular natural surroundings, and a plethora of fun and relaxing things to do, there is no question Bonita Springs is an amazing place to live in your golden years, raise a family, or live in a relaxing suburban city. 

Located near other large Florida cities such as Fort Myers and Naples, Bonita provides a convenient location near fun and exciting attractions and things to do while remaining a private oasis for its residents. 

Before moving to Bonita Springs, you should know what to expect about the cost of living, real estate, things to do, weather, the job market, food options, and outdoor activities you get to look forward to. 

Here are the things you should know about life in Bonita Springs!

Cost of Living 

According to Payscale, the cost of living in Bonita Springs is 42% higher than the national average, with housing being 35% higher, utilities 2% higher, and transportation fees  7% higher.

The average expenditure per month for residents in Bonita Springs is around $2,014, which is in the top 14% of the most expensive cities. But, the residents that live here are higher educated, wealthy, or retired and looking for an upscale and private location to live within an affluent community and typically can afford this luxurious lifestyle. 

Considered the third best place to live in Lee County, Bonita Springs has above-average high-quality education systems, beautiful and diverse homes, clean beaches, parks, and neighborhoods, a diverse population, and low crime rates. But, in order to live in such a little peace of paradise, you are going to have to pay the price. 

In order to budget accurately for your move to Bonita Springs, FL, you should know how much all living items will cost. Let's take a look at some of the most common factors of the cost of living below. 

*Each item is linked to the data the information was gathered from

Real Estate 

The median home value, according to our database in Bonita Springs, Fl, is around $801k. That is almost double the cost of the median home value for the national average at $428k. But, some of the best neighborhoods in the area are located here, offering stunning views, natural landscapes and wildlife, and luxury amenities such as golf courses and clubhouses. 

First becoming a city in 1999, Bonita Springs homes are similar to many of the architectural designs you will see on the coasts of Florida, such as Coastal Contemporary, categorized by its high ceilings and open floor plan to let in much of the natural light that the cities location provides. Some of the other designs you will see around Bonita Springs are Mediterranean architecture, Spanish style, Victorian, and Ranch. 

Due to many retirees and families living in the area, there are also many housing communities and complexes you can choose to live in as well. Many of these housing communities have private amenities such as community pools, gymnasiums, pet spas, walking trails, docks, or even golf courses. These communities and complexes are convenient places to live with easy access to so many things to do and the feeling of being a part of a smaller community of people. 

With a spike in residents over the past few years as well as some vacation homes starting to pop-up as well, there are also many new contemporary homes being built and apartment complexes. With a variety of townhomes, condos, apartments, and single-family homes to choose from in a spectacular city, it is easy to find the perfect home for anyone.  

Weather 

Hate the cold? Well, then, Bonita Springs is the perfect place for you. Over the course of the year, temperatures vary from 55-90 degrees, never dropping below 40 degrees, so white Christmas here. Summers are known to be hot, wet, and cloudy, while winters are short, comfortable, windy, and mostly clear, making it a beautiful place to live year-round if you don't like to experience the variance of all the seasons. 

Based on the tourism score, the best time to visit Bonita Springs is from Jan-May or Oct-Dec due to the comfortable weather, clear skies, and lack of rain. The wetter season here is from mid-May to October, with a 43% chance of rain on any day. Overall, on average, it rains about 55 inches a year in Bonita Springs, with the highest chance in August at 74%. 

With lots of rain and water surrounding much of the city, flooding and hurricanes are among the top causes of damage in Bonita Springs, especially to homes. More than 70% of homeowners pay to protect their homes from storm damage, with hurricanes posing a large threat to this city.

On average, Florida residents will spend up to $2,600 a year to protect their homes from the damage that these tropical storms can cause. Some of the ways to protect your home are by installing hurricane-proof windows and doors, placing stilts below your home, and purchasing separate insurance specifically for storm damage. But, luckily tropical storms, hurricanes, and flooding are the only natural disasters you have to worry about when living here. 

Things To Do

One of the top reasons people move to Bonita Springs is its beautiful location with beaches, parks, everglades, and nature centers all around. But, something that people might not know is that it also has a vibrant nightlife in its downtown area and a 2.5-acre boardwalk, sand dunes, and exciting events and festivals held year-round. 

Best known as a place for retirees, families, and young professionals, there is a ton of things to do and see for people of all ages. Scattered throughout the city, there are many amazing parks to play recreational games and lay out in the sun, nature trails to get some exercise with stunning views, disc golf courses to test your skills, art shops and theaters to view art and escape, golf courses both private and public, and many shops, cafes, and restaurants to enjoy. 

For the more lively crowd, the downtown area of Bonita Springs also has multiple bars, resturants, wine bars, cocktail lounges, and outdoor areas open late to have a fun night out. With a nice mix of the beach vibe, with some bars having more of a relaxed "no shirt, no problem" type of vibe mixed with upscale fancy places, you can enjoy whatever mood you are in when going out on the town. 

Let's take a look at some of the local favorite things to do for people of all ages in Bonita Springs. 

Local Favorites

• Riverside Park-This wonderful green space located in the heart of downtown Bonita Springs has a large field where residents can have an outdoor picnic or lay out in the sun, a band shell stage hosting many outdoor events, beautiful fountains, and the location of exciting festivals year-round. 
• Barefoot Beach Preserve-Considered one of the best beaches in the city, Barefoot beach is located 20 feet off of Bonita Beach Rd on Lely Barfoot Blvd. The undeveloped barrier island with sandy beaches is home to a learning center, butterfly garden, walking trails, and of course, stunning beaches. With 342 acres of land and one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's Southwest coast, this is the best place to lay out, walk, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. 
• Everglades Wonder Gardens-Established in 1936, this attraction features rescued birds and reptiles amongst a sprawling landscape of trees and plantings. With over 300 rescued species and engaging educational experiences, this is one of the top family-friendly attractions in the city. 
• Kayaking at Big Hickory Island-Kayaking in and around the many islands and channels in Bontia Springs is one of the most popular outdoor adventures. With many rental locations to choose from, you can rent a clear kayak to see everything below you in the crystal clear waters, bring a friend on a two-person boat, or adventure on your own. A great way to explore the waters, catch some sun, or even catch some fish! 

Food

Food markets and restaurants often showcase the culture and community in which they are in. Bonita Springs has long been known for its agricultural community, showcased in the many markets selling local produce as well as multiple restaurants using local fresh produce in many of their dishes. 

With a very diverse population, it is also not surprising that the food scene has culinary delights from all over, from fine dining American to Hawaiian and more. With access to many local catches of seafood and Florida meat options, the restaurants in Bonita Springs are highly rated and considered must-eats by many of locals and visitors alike. 

Let's take a look at some of the local's favorite restaurants, ranging from casual eateries to upscale dining. 

Local Favorites 

• C Level Bistro-Known for its neon-blue atmosphere, this new American restaurant serves tapas paired with fine wines, elegant entrees, and beautifully crafted cocktails. With a large selection of dishes from both the land and the sea, there is something for everyone here to enjoy. 
• Petars Restaurant-Looking for a fancy night out? This sophisticated American restaurant serves world-class international cuisine paired with fine wines in a wonderful atmosphere. Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this fancy yet simple spot is a local favorite for any time of the day. 
• The Other Side Bistro-This lively bistro features bright red walls decorated with art and locals enjoying globally inspired New American cuisine. Self-acclaimed as the best food in Bonita Springs, you will truly feel like a local while dining here for lunch or dinner. 
• Wylds Cafe-This small spot might not look like much from the outside, but don't be deceived. This exquisite restaurant serves exceptional Modern American cuisine created by three local chefs that brought their talents together. With large wooden tables covered in white table clothes and local art hanging on the wall, this is the perfect mix of upscale casual. The dishes go a step above with fresh ingredients and five-star twists on classics. Only open for dinner, this spot is a must-try while living in Bonita Springs. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Bonita Springs, FL

Pros: 

• Beautiful beaches 
• Preserved wildlife 
• Diverse housing options
• Top-quality schools
• Diverse neighborhoods 
• Low crime rates 
• Central location
• Great weather

Cons: 

• Older population
• High cost of living 
• Risk of hurricanes and tropical storms 
• Limited job market 
• Bad traffic 

Moving to Bonita Springs, FL-Final Thoughts 

Bonita Springs, FL, is an absolutely gorgeous location to live, with stunning beaches and parks full of various outdoor activities and wildlife. With the perfect mix of quiet suburban living paired with a vibrant downtown full of restaurants, cafes, bars, and local art culture, this is the perfect spot for anyone. If you can afford to live in this tropical paradise, you are sure to never get bored, and if you do, some of the biggest cities in Florida are only a short drive away. 

If you or anyone you may know is moving to Bonita Springs, FL, make sure to contact us here so that we can get you connected with one of our Realty Specialists. Whether you want to live in the city's heart or in a calm and charming private oasis, we will work with you to find the perfect home. No matter your budget, style preferences, or needs, we will be with you every step of the way.